EASY CRANBERRY-CREAM CHEESE CRESCENT BITES
These Easy Cranberry-Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a perfect little treat that's both tangy and creamy with a hint of sweetness from the cranberries. They’re made using flaky crescent roll…
Tip: save now, cook later.These Easy Cranberry-Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a perfect little treat that’s both tangy and creamy with a hint of sweetness from the cranberries. They’re made using flaky crescent roll dough filled with smooth cream cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce, creating a delightful bite-sized snack that’s super simple to put together.
I love making these when I need a quick dessert or appetizer because they come together fast but always impress friends and family. One of my favorite tips is to use a good quality cranberry sauce for that fresh fruity punch, and don’t be shy with the cream cheese—it adds such a nice richness that balances the tartness beautifully.
These crescent bites are great to serve warm right out of the oven, especially during holiday gatherings or cozy evenings. I often bring them along to potlucks where they disappear in no time, and honestly, I find myself sneaking a few whenever I’m around the tray! They’re a simple recipe that’s big on flavor and always a crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This dough gives you that buttery, flaky texture that’s key to these bites. If you can’t find crescent rolls, puff pastry is a great swap for a slightly different, but equally delicious texture.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese adds creaminess and tang. You can use regular or whipped cream cheese. For a lighter option, try Neufchatel cheese, which is lower in fat but still smooth.
Cranberry Sauce: I prefer whole berry cranberry sauce because it gives nice texture and bursts of tartness. If you like a smoother bite, cranberry jelly works well too. You can also use fresh cranberries cooked with sugar as a fresher alternative.
Sugar Topping: Sprinkling sugar on top before baking creates a little crunch and sparkle. You could experiment with coarse sugar or even colored sugar for a festive look.
How Do You Keep the Filling Inside Without Leaking?
To avoid the cream cheese and cranberry sauce from oozing out during baking:
- Place fillings snugly near the wide end of the dough and avoid overfilling.
- Roll the dough tightly by starting at the wide end and wrapping toward the narrow tip.
- Seal the edges by gently pressing the dough as you roll to keep everything inside.
- Use parchment paper on your baking sheet to prevent sticking and help keep the bites intact.
- If you want extra security, chill the filled crescents in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking to firm everything up.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat, rimmed pan helps your crescent bites bake evenly and hold their shape.
- Parchment paper – makes cleanup easy and keeps the bites from sticking to the pan.
- Mixing bowl – for softening and stirring the cream cheese smooth.
- Spoon or small spatula – perfect for spreading cream cheese and cranberry sauce on the dough.
- Pastry brush (optional) – to apply egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cranberry with raspberry jam for a sweeter, fruitier bite that still pairs beautifully with cream cheese.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese for a warm spice note, great in fall or winter.
- Mix chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cream cheese for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Try spreading a thin layer of orange marmalade under the cream cheese to add citrus brightness.
Easy Cranberry-Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crescent Bites:
- 1 (8 oz) package refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce or whole cranberry preserves
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to bake, so you’ll have these tasty bites ready in roughly 25 minutes total. Perfect when you need a quick and delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles on your work surface.
2. Make the Filling and Fill the Dough:
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until smooth. Place about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese near the wide end of each crescent dough triangle, then add around 1/2 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top.
3. Roll and Prepare for Baking:
Carefully roll up each crescent from the wide end to the narrow tip, enclosing the filling inside. Place the rolled crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you like, beat the egg and brush each crescent’s top to get a shiny, golden finish after baking. Sprinkle granulated sugar over the top for a nice sweet crunch.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake the crescents in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your delicious cranberry-cream cheese bites!
Can I Use Frozen Crescent Roll Dough?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before using. This helps the dough roll out smoothly and bake evenly.
Can I Make These Crescent Bites Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and roll them up, then refrigerate on the baking sheet for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes or microwave gently until warmed.
What Can I Use Instead of Cranberry Sauce?
You can substitute raspberry jam, cherry preserves, or even orange marmalade for a different fruity twist that pairs nicely with cream cheese.